Any, even a slight deviation from the norm in the process of breathing is an occasion to contact a medical institution for help. There are many factors that can affect the respiratory process. It can be pulmonary diseases, allergies, diabetes or brain diseases.
Respiratory failure is a huge risk of oxygen starvation, which is fraught with the development of other pathological processes in the body and brain.
Varieties
Doctors distinguish three types of violations:
- Obstructive. This type is characterized by the fact that the patency of the paths along which air passes is impaired, that is, a limited amount of oxygen enters the body.
- Restrictive. The reasons for the development of this type include pulmonary interruptions, that is, problems with the expansion of the lungs. As a result, they work almost to the limit of their capabilities, their ventilation is difficult and gas exchange is disturbed. This condition is also dangerous by oxygen starvation.
- The mixed type is characterized by the causes that are inherent in the two previous types.
Causes of restrictive disorders
Violations of the respiratory function in this case lead to a decrease in lung capacity, a person is not able to absorb a large amount of oxygen. This is manifested in the fact that a person is not able to hold his breath for a long time, it is difficult for him to engage in even light sports, shortness of breath appears.
There are two provoking factors: intrapulmonary and extrapulmonary. In the first case, internal pathological processes that occur directly in the lungs act as a provocateur. In the second case - external factors or mechanical stress.
Extrapulmonary type
The appearance of this type is associated with factors that did not arise in the lungs themselves. This condition can lead to:
- overweight and obesity;
- mechanical shock, rib fractures and compression of the chest, for example, after an accident;
- ossification of cartilage;
- problems with the digestive tract, most often characteristic of infants;
- impaired mobility of the ligamentous-articular apparatus in the lungs.
Intrapulmonary form
Restrictive respiratory disorders inside the lungs can also occur due to external factors, but occurring inside the body. In such cases, the lung tissue is poorly stretched, and therefore the process of their expansion is complicated.
The provoking factors of this variety of disorders include:
- Lack of surfactant, which allows the alveoli to properly crack. A decrease in its amount may be associated with smoking tobacco or narcotic substances, or with regular exposure to light dust.
- Decreased ventilation of the alveoli, or atelectasis, which may appear, including against the background of a small amount of surfactant.
- Tumors or cysts in the lungs. This problem can only be solved by surgery.
- Fibrous formations, for example, proliferation of connective tissues.
- Pneumonia, pulmonary edema.
Symptomatology
As a rule, for experienced specialists, no problems arise when making a diagnosis by external signs, as well as in determining the type of respiratory failure.
With a restrictive form, the patient has shortness of breath, rapid breathing. If the violations have already taken a chronic form, then the patient may feel worse, there will be rapid fatigue and restless sleep.
Treatment
In addition to eliminating the provoking factor, oxygen therapy can be carried out, that is, air supply directly to the lungs. To improve the condition, it is recommended to visit the pool, water aerobics, breathing exercises and the most ordinary walks in the fresh air.
Obstructive form
Violation of the breathing rhythm of this form most often occurs against the background of brain damage. To date, a number of symptom complexes and conditions are identified in which breathing problems are observed.
Kussmaul's breath, or big breath. Such a syndrome manifests itself in the fact that although a person breathes evenly, the inhalation is always noisy and very deep, as is the exhalation. Such breathing is characteristic of diabetics and those with kidney failure.
Cheyne-Stokes breath. It is characterized by alternating alternation of hyperpnea and apnea. Patients have gas alkalosis and hyperventilation of the lungs. Respiratory failure can be observed in the presence of the following pathological processes:
- congestion in the lungs;
- hypoxemia;
- pseudobulbar syndrome;
- cerebral infarction;
- injuries and ischemic brain damage;
- supratentorial tumors and others.
Syndrome of central neurogenic hyperventilation. The condition is characterized by hyperpnea, that is, breathing is very deep and fast, about 25 times in 60 seconds. Such breathing often occurs in the presence of a midbrain tumor, characteristic of a coma.
Apneustic breathing. In such cases, elongated sighs are observed, and then there is a holding of breath. The condition is characteristic of ischemic stroke, can occur with hypoglycemic coma, or with severe form of meningitis.
Bioto's breath. Such respiratory failure may replace the previous form. In such cases, there is an alternation of rhythmic breathing with prolonged pauses. It can appear against the background of brain damage, with severe intoxications, meningitis, and shock.
Chaotic breathing. This is actually an erratic process, with prolonged attacks of apnea, which after some time can lead to a complete stop of breathing. There are a lot of reasons for the appearance of such a problem: cerebral hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, tumors and other diseases.
Cluster or group periodic breathing. The most common cause of such breathing is Shay-Drager disease. It is characterized by irregular pauses between respiratory movements.
Atonal, terminal or gas-breathing. The breathing rhythm is rare, breaths too, besides convulsive. Such a symptom often accompanies cerebral hypoxia or is present with damage to the medulla oblongata. With such a pathology, there is a high risk of complete respiratory arrest while taking drugs or sedatives.
Stridorous breathing. Such an anomaly appears if the lumen of the trachea and larynx narrows. When breathing, the patient makes hissing and hissing sounds. Respiratory failure may occur in the presence of goiter or traumatic brain injury, with allergic laryngeal edema and diphtheria croup.
Inspiratory dyspnea - characteristic of bilateral lesions of the lower parts of the brain stem.
Impaired nasal breathing
In a normal state, a person should breathe symmetrically, silently, smoothly and quietly. Inhalations and exhalations should be complete, without the need to breathe through the mouth. There are two reasons that lead to pathological changes in the function of the nose:
- local, that is, associated in the pneumatization of the paranasal sinuses;
- general changes, that is, with a violation of blood circulation.
As a rule, disorders associated with nasal breathing are accompanied by headaches, a constant feeling of fatigue, a decrease in concentration of attention, discomfort in the ears, and sinusitis can be observed.
Violations can occur during anatomical deformities, for example, if the septum or the pyramid of the nose is curved. Such problems are often the result of an incorrectly performed surgical operation or appear due to trauma. In such situations, an operation - septoplasty, that is, correction of the curve of the nasal septum, can also be recommended.
Infectious diseases can trigger neurovegetative-muscle dissociation, as a result of which the mucous membrane suffers from excessive blood supply, which is difficult breathing. This symptom complex is removed by intranasal blockade. Doctors recommend the use of homeopathic medicines, for example, Traumeel C, together with laser treatment, and procedures for irrigation of the nasal cavity with preparations with active minerals. A fully completed course of treatment (at least 10 procedures) avoids surgical intervention in the work of the respiratory system.
Impaired function should be avoided. To do this, you must stop smoking, monitor your own weight and prevent obesity. Immunity should be constantly maintained, eat vitamins, adjust nutrition and refuse harmful foods. Try to prevent infectious and bacterial diseases, avoid injuries and, of course, more often to be in the fresh air.